Common Sense Media Review
Creative dystopian genre bender has some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In GONE WOLF, there's a future dystopia in the year 2111. A Black girl, Inmate Eleven, is created for a superior Clone. She is referred to as Blue and is imprisoned with a dog-wolf hybrid companion who sometimes "goes wolf" when he feels too confined, a feeling Inmate Eleven relates to. There's also the present world, in 2022, where Imogen, a 12-year-old Black girl from a fictional Virginia town, has not found her way out from the isolation of the pandemic, its disastrous consequences for her family, and the generational trauma triggered by the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. But Imogen has her mother, a caring therapist, an unexpected ally, and stories to tell that may be powerful enough to connect these disparate, seemingly disconnected worlds.
Is It Any Good?
This surprising genre bender is full of science fiction, dystopian elements, horror, and real history that bring Imogen's courage full circle. Gone Wolf's sci-fi style with the spareness of The Giver makes itself distinct by overlapping historical realties with dystopian ones until the reader realizes the two are not so different for Black communities. Author Amber McBride ambitiously and successfully incorporates historical events spanning the Middle Passage up through recent events like the murder of George Floyd and weaves in scenes of child confinement and indoctrination that could be pages torn out of the Native American residential schools era. This confronting of the harsh realities and legacies of White supremacy within an engaging dystopian middle grade narrative is truly impressive. The confusing adult world is seen through the clarity of a child's eyes with remarkable precision. Readers will be moved by Imogen's courage in the face of loss, injustice, and generational grief and inspired by the allies who come alongside her. Readers will cheer when Imogen "goes wolf," concluding with a moving poem on healing and freedom. This is a compelling book for middle grade readers and will provide much discussion for families and classrooms.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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Families can talk about how skin shades vary outside of the socially prescribed Black and White definitions, inspired by scenes in Gone Wolf when Imogen examines this concept herself. Why do you think Imogen described her skin as blue? How would you describe the color of your skin in your own words?
Learn more about the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman. What does Imogen learn about courage from Ms. Tubman and other historical figures?
In the book, the heroine gives herself a name. Later, she writes a list of names that are important to her. The author also repeats the phrase "Say her name" when she includes an excerpt about Breonna Taylor. Why do you think names are important to this story?
Talk about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Do you have a dream for your world?
In the author's note, Amber McBride writes, "I hope this book inspires you to learn more about these historical events so that history never repeats itself." What historical event or historical figure would you like to learn more about? Does being curious about history help you be a better community member? Why, or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Fantasy ( Magic ) , History , STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel & Friends
- Publication date : October 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : April 19, 2026
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